The Absolute Sound vs Pleasing Sound

"...unamplified acoustic performances remain the standard for judging how close our systems get to the sound of live. As I’m sure you know that was the basis for the term “the absolute sound”..."

Indeed I do but that is about .01% of the type of music I listen to, so why use that as a standard? 

"...I expect to hear what Miles Davis intended for me to hear..."

Did you know the tape machine was reported as running slow? 


"...It is more important to like what you are hearing that for it to conform to some standard. Try it, you may indeed just like it..."

Thanx, That's what I am saying. Good or bad, it's all for your enjoyment. It's not a contest to see who can play Also sprach Zarathustra at music hall levels or who's system measures the flattest. .    

"...Hello Russ69,  I’ve been through the same situation as you..."
I'm not in a situation, I know what I prefer.

 "... I’ve found that thru experience, accurate sounding systems are not what I’ve enjoyed best long term..."
You and I are on the same page. 

  "...So I’m trying to understand what do you mean by an absolute sound..." 
That was defined by an audio magazine to be the recreation of live unamplified music. I think that is the low hanging fruit, that's a very simple task, playing complex music is where good systems shine.    

OP here. Putting an audio system together that is satisfying is the main point of my thread. People buy gear, but it in their system and listen to the results. When things come together (synergy) and work for that system we are moving in the right direction. Long term evaluation is how that is accomplished. You cannot fool yourself for very long if the system is not to your liking. Short term evaluation or short term testing is very unreliable. Over time and with much listening to different music an opinion can be formed. In most cases it's not a question if A is better than B but the question is do I prefer A over B. Audio is not about scientific testing of one's hearing or memory, it's about enjoying the music.